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The decision to reschedule came after a frustrating evening at the SDAT Stadium in Nungambakkam. While the doubles final concluded earlier in the day without incident, the singles showpiece faced repeated delays as rain repeatedly forced players off the court. Although the weather eventually cleared, allowing ground staff to prepare the surface for a potential 9 p.m. start, officials were ultimately forced to abandon the day's play due to hazardous air quality caused by Deepavali firecrackers.
Postponement follows challenging conditions for tournament organisers
The situation reached a breaking point shortly after the 9 p.m. update, when visibility issues and smog prompted a final assessment of the court conditions. Both Tjen and Linette were seen on court consulting with tournament supervisor Sheetal Iyer before ultimately deciding to pack their gear and depart the venue. Official data from Accuweather at the time of the cancellation categorised the local air quality as unhealthy, rendering the environment unsuitable for professional play.
In an official statement confirming the change, the WTA noted that the postponement was a direct result of unforeseen weather and environmental factors. To accommodate fans who were unable to see the conclusion of the event, the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association has confirmed that tickets purchased for Sunday’s session will remain valid for entry on Monday.
This disruption marks a difficult end to the third edition of the Chennai Open, which has contended with environmental challenges throughout its schedule. The tournament previously suffered a complete washout on the opening day of the main draw, with further rain interruptions occurring on the second day of play. As the event prepares for its final day, it also marks a significant transition for Indian tennis; the tournament is set to relocate to Manila, Philippines, in 2027. The move follows concerns regarding the suitability of the current time slot during the monsoon season and the rising profile of Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala.
